How Safe Is Flying on an Airplane?

A semi-loyal subscriber has argued that the data shows that flying on an airplane carries a very low risk of being infected by Covid-19, and there is reported data to confirm this argument. It is meet to note this argument did not discount the likelihood of spread or becoming infected while in the airport. But it is also meet to note, as noted in the WSJ, that: Those who have "studied the passenger cabin and the ventilation system fairly rigorously ... [have offered] a warning that even research published this year was done with earlier variants of Covid-19 circulating, not the more contagious Delta variant.” In addition, “[t]he review of the data also ... include[d] one big caveat: The quality of evidence from most published studies was low because of weak contact tracing. With new information, travel-health experts are raising new questions about airline procedures.”

PS: One of the myths the airline industry has sold to the public is that flying is safer than driving or riding in a car. As the authors of Freakonomics conceded in an email exchange with us and as did the author of WSJ article, it all turns on how one measures "safety." Thus, flying is safer than driving when measured in terms of fatalities per year and even taking account of the far greater overall passenger miles in car travel. But if, rather, than considering passenger miles to be the denominator, one considers trips to be the denominator, it becomes clear that car travel is much safer. Specifically, there are only about 20,000 flights per day in the U.S., and once a plane takes off, the number of passenger miles flown tends to be irrelevant as to whether or not any such flight will result in a fatal crash. At the same time, there are over 100 million car trips taken per day in the U.S., and the longer any trip, the greater the likelihood of a fatal crash. So, if one divides fatalities by trips/flights instead of by passenger miles, it is at least arguable that flying is indeed more dangerous than driving. Two caveats: Travel by air has become safer as the years progress; and one might be prudent to take a skeptical view of anything the airlines say.

[EOP]

At Middleton (2013 Movie on Prime)

At Middleton is a 101 minute (i.e., watchable length in one sitting) movie starring Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga. It revolves around the story of a father taking his son and a mother taking her daughter to see Middleton College (although it's filmed at Washington State University). There are two plots, one involving what happens between the father and the mother and the other involving what happens to each of the kids over the course of the day. Some suspension of reality is needed--hey it's Hollywood, but for the genre, whatever genre it is, it had some really nice little twists and turns and dialogue that made it sweet and poignant. The acting is first rate, which does well to overcome a couple of overdone scenes as the movie works to its ending. 

IMDb Link to At Middleton

What If (2013 Movie on Prime)

If you like an innovative, unpredictable, provocative romcom, move on--there's nothing to see here. I first stopped watching after an hour but it turned out it had run only 20 minutes. The second hour likewise was just another 20 minutes. It's actual total run is just 1.5h. What's fascinating is the language and situations that infused the movie but did not deprive it of a PG-13 rating. All that said, the two main characters (Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Zoe Kazan (Click Bait)) were totally charming to watch.

IMDb Link to What If

Best Vacuums for 2021

 [From cnet (note: the links won't work)]

What to Do If You Test Positive for Covid-19: Contact Your Doctor

[Prefatory Note: This is NOT intended as medical advice. It is though the true recount of the events described of someone I know. It is not me or anyone any loyal reader or semi-loyal reader would know. Nor have I had any contact with the subject]

A fully-vaccinated person was feeling poorly and had a Covid-19 test that came back positive. Because the symptoms were mild, they thought to do nothing. The circumstance was brought to the attention of their family doctor who was aware that the individual had a particular underlying condition. As a result, the doctor contacted the individual because, in view of the underlying condition, the doctor strongly recommended and administered monoclonal antibody infusion(s) within the recommended 12-day window. So, the point is this: If you or someone you know tests positive for Covid-19, no matter the mildness or even absence of symptoms, that person should contact their doctor.

[EOP]

Top 100 U.S. Housing Markets for Over/Underpricing

Phoenicians will not be surprised to see that Phoenix is the 6th most overpriced market in the U.S. But it might be surprising to see that Washington DC, Honolulu, New York City, and San Francisco are near the top of being the most underpriced markets. The full list can be seen in this FAU College of Business study. It is meet to note that the methodology, which is based on Zillow and other open sources of data, has not been reviewed by us for either its statistical validity or reliability (which are two different things as anyone who knows statistics knows).

[EOP]

PTI: 20th Anniversary Show

ESPN just aired a special 20th Anniversary show in honor of PTI. It is a very flattering look at two guys you can't help liking and who clearly like each other and why the show has been the success it has. As an added bonus, you get to find out who is he voice asking the questions on Mail Time. If you like PTI, check your Guide or On Demand listing or ESPN to see if you can bring it up and watch it. If you don't like PTI, get help.

[EOP]

Two Really Cool Home Security Devices (Actually, Just One)

The Ring Security Drone is our choice for a must-have home security device. It will fly around inside your home as well as outside so you can see everything that's going on. Once you have one, you'll be saying to yourself you don't know how you lived without it.

The Amazon Astro is an Alexa powered robot that will zip around your home streaming video of everything it sees. Unfortunately, it cannot climb stairs so you'll need one for each floor of your house. If you get one, you'll be slapping your head saying I should have gotten that drone thing.

[EOP]

Shows to Watch If Normal People Destroyed You

Normal People is an amazing series that is perfectly done from the photography to the dialogue to the story to the acting to the scenery to just everything. I put off the last episode as long as I could because I hated the thought of it ending. I then asked the newspaper of the school where most of us in my family went to college what to do. The Harvard Crimson came through, with its Lists of Shows to Watch If Normal People Destroyed You. 

[EOP]

If You've Been Waiting to Buy an EV, It's Time to Support the $3.5T Build Back Better Bill

While we don't do politics or economics or climate change issues here, we are urging everyone to do what they can to be sure the following provision in Biden's $3.5T Build Back Better bill is not stripped out before the bill gets voted on: a $12,500 electric vehicle tax credit. It's hard to think of a better way to reverse climate change and save the planet and put a Tesla or two in my carport. Lest there be any doubt how important we see this provision to be, we are willing to support the bill's two key so-called safety net provisions: (i) providing for child tax credits of up to $8,000 for a family earning $400,000; and (ii) return of the state and local tax deductions that have penalized the 15% of taxpayers who used to itemize (don't worry or ask where they stood on the income scale). 

PS: This post was inspired in part by Greta Thunberg's chastizing global leaders for failing to meet funding pledges and for delivering too much “blah blah blah’’ as climate change wreaks havoc around the world. No one could say that a $12,500 EV tax credit is "blah blah blah."

PPS: This post also rejects the cynical view of a perennial sporadic reader naysayer who says that, if the EV incentive goes through, the EV sellers will raise their prices by $12,499. But, even if they do, that would be a $1 saved.

[EOP]

Optimistic Slant on Pandemic Immunity

Yeah, Scott Gottlieb was FDA Commissioner under Trump and now is a Resident Fellow of the American Enterprise Institute and a Pfizer Board Member. But he is smart and has had some useful insights into the pandemic, including this semi-optimistic one. While it is impossible to overstate the undue deaths, misery, cost, and harm done by the nut-job anti-vaxxers, with the country reaching a vaccination level of about 55%, the good news is that the extremely high transmissibility of the Delta variant among the unvaccinated has brought the country to about 80% immunity and likely will reach 90% immunity in a short time as the Delta variant moves into areas that so far have escaped it. With that, we will have switched from a pandemic model to an endemic model akin to the flu. All we need then worry about is the next pandemic.

[EOP]

What the CDC Guidelines on the Pfizer Booster Actually Say

When Trump was president and Redfield was the CDC director, it was understandable why the messaging was, to put it mildly, so muddled, and as it turns out, so much of it was wrong (e.g., the social distancing guidelines and the efficacy of plastic shields). But, if the promise to follow the science and do so competently is to have any force, Wallensky is not the person to run, much less speak for, the CDC. As a latest example, here is what the CDC's website says are the guidelines for the Pfizer booster:

1. You "should" get the Pfizer booster if you are over 65, reside in a long term facility, or are 50-64 with a specified underlying health condition.

2. You "may" get the Pfizer booster if you are 18-49 with a specified underlying health condition or are 18-64 and are at increased risk of exposure because of occupational or institutional setting.

3. "People can talk to their healthcare provider about whether getting a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot is appropriate for them."

If you're confused by the distinction of "should" and "may," and what you should do if you are in the "may" ground, remember this: The CDC advisory panel recommended that the "may" group should not be authorized to get the booster, but Wallensky rejected that recommendation so now they "may." And what healthcare providers are supposed to talk about with people in the "may" group is anyone's guess.

Everyone understands that scientific knowledge is not perfect and is statistically based, and everyone knows not to make the perfect the enemy of the good. But everyone knows we could have done better than we did with Redfield, and everyone knows we could do better than Wallensky. As to the FDA, there is not even as yet a permanent director.

[EOP]

Why People Assess Covid-19 Risks Differently

Some people are comfortable going to concerts and clubs now. Others draw the line at indoor dining. And some are avoiding nearly all gatherings. People’s assessment of what is safe has varied wildly during the Covid-19 pandemic—often leaving us baffled about why our risk decisions differ so sharply from those of our neighbors, friends and family members. Now, scientists are starting to better understand why. Recent research shows that, while politics and geography play a role, other factors are often more important in determining how we make decisions about Covid-19 risks. Personality traits that are shaped by genetics and early life experiences strongly influence our Covid-19-related decisions. An excellent overview of the issue appears in this WSJ article.  

[EOP]                              

Watch Out If You Get a Airline Ticket Refund on a Cancelled Flight: It Might Be Declared a Taxable Event

[Prefatory Note: I apologize if this piece from the WSJ is difficult to read. It is a tale full of sound and fury highlighting the idiocy and mendacity of the airlines and the credit card issuers]

About Time (2013 Movie on Netflix (and for rent on Prime))

Brought to the screen by the same crew that created Love Actually, About Time is not for everyone. It certainly is not for literalists or anyone looking for meaning in a plot line. It is based on a gimmick, the ability to travel back in time and change what happened--with certain constraints. But in reality, it is a feel good movie devoted to one point: Live and embrace each day, because ultimately, you cannot change the really really big stuff that matters, except to the extent which you might be able to change it by making a different decision in real time.

IMDb Link to About Time

Moderna vs. Pfizer Vaccines and a PS re the White House

This NYT article addresses what you might think is a simple question, namely, the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine versus the Moderna vaccine, pointing out that the Pfizer's effectiveness drops by 4 months after the second shot but the Moderna's does not drop at all. But as you go through the article, it becomes clear that drawing conclusions as to effectiveness of and the need and timing for boosters is not so straightforward. There are many variables that come into play, including trying to figure out the demographics of who actually got which shot and when did they get it. Such issues are likely going to get more complicated in assessing the boosters (e.g., how long their effectiveness will last) because of the difficulty (indeed, the likely impossibility) of identifying the profiles of those who got the Pfizer booster before the 9/23 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Thus, because those who got the Pfizer booster before 9/23 were not just the immune-compromised, but also included people who just wanted to get the booster, assessing effectiveness over time based on the date of getting vaccinated presents obvious statistical (sampling) difficulties.

PS: I have been subject of some blistering criticism for stating the view that the White House, along with the FDA and CDC, seem not up to the task of handling the pandemic and have reneged on their promise to follow the science and to do so competently. It is meet to note that the NYT's lead editorial on 9/26 took heed of what they read in my posts on the topic.

[EOP]

24 Low-Fuss High Reward Recipes

Some people think you have to spend at least 2-3 hours to prepare a proper healthy delicious meal. To use a foodie term, that is a bunch of poppy cock. I submitted 50 of my favorite fast-meal recipes (all ready in under 30 minutes and many under 15 minutes and some in just 5 minutes) together with pictures of each to the NYT, and they picked their favorite 24 from them and set out the recipes in this NYT Food Section article. All the recipes are also low mess making for easy clean up as you go so that, as all great home cooks know and do, the clean up is done before the meal is served. Just my pictures in this article will make you drool.

[EOP]

Evergrande crisis Overview

Some people never heard of Evergrande until they saw it's possible default result in the U.S. stock markets having their biggest daily decline in months. This article  gives a good overview as to what Evergrande is (namely one of China's the largest real estate companies) and what the so-called Evergrande crisis is about.

[EOP] 

How Long Does It Take for Booster Shots to Enhance Protection?

With the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the two shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it was known when one's protection level would reach its optimum level. We have found nothing anywhere to tell us how long it takes for the Pfizer's booster protection level to reach its maximum. Go figure.

[EOP] 

Adjustable Pillows

There are dumb pillows and there are smart pillows, and in between, there are adjustable pillows. This WSJ article has an informative evaluation of three adjustable pillows. If sleeping is a problem for you, an adjustable pillow might be just the thing.

[EOP]

Ring Protective Sign

Even if you don't have a Ring audio/video door thing, or you have one but it created so many false positives you put it in your closet, you can still get a Ring protective sign. A plain one is $15 from Ring or Amazon or anywhere, while a solar powered one that will light up at night is $50 from Ring or Amazon or anywhere. It looks neat when it's lit up at night.

 [EOP]

Billionaires and Other Civilians Going Into Space

Who cares? Do they really have nothing better to do with their time and money? Does the media not have anything of more importance to cover?

[EOP] 

Pfizer Boosters Readily Available

As of Friday morning (9/24), it appears that there is no problem getting an appointment or even just walking in for a Pfizer booster at pharmacies and other outlets. Making an appointment online has the added advantage of allowing you to fill out the necessary paperwork before arriving for the vaccination.

[EOP]

WTF Was That I Just Read? and a PS on Biden

1. In the lawsuit he recently filed, Trump's complaint against his niece and the NYT asserts as follows: "The brazenness of the defendants’ actions cannot be understated." 

2. The crawl on CNN on Friday morning read as follows: "Bogus Audit in Arizona Confirms Biden Won." Given that the audit was bogus, does that mean Trump won?

PS re Biden: The exit from Afghanistan was an unmitigated disaster (as even the NYT (per David Sanger) said), and no one got fired; the roll-out of the Pfizer booster with a wrong assurance of when it would happen and who would get it coupled with the CDC's contradictory directives was anything but a competent "following the science," and no one got fired; the handling of the submarine deal with Australia was amateur hour at best, and no one got fired; the catastrophe at the border is numbing and, while one official quit in protest of how situation was being handled, no one got fired; and on and on. It is clear that the one thing the White House will not do is say, "We messed up, heads are going to roll, and here is how we are going to fix things going forward." If they keep up in this way, they better have a plan to steal the elections in 2022 and 2024 (which even David Brooks agreed with in his NYT column this week).

[EOP] 

How Some People Just Do Not Understand or Appreciate Genuine Sympathy

[From The New Yorker] 

[EOP]

Bob Woodward's Next Book

We got an advanced copy of Woodward's next book and he was gracious enough to sit down with us for an interview (something he normally won't do unless there's a major TV channel putting him on camera). Here's what he said: "There are the amazing revelations as my books always have, but nothing is revealed in time to do anything that might make a difference, so don't even bother buying the book, just send me money, because that's why I wrote these things, and why anyone buys them I have no idea, but I'm glad to take their money and am glad to get on TV to talk about my book."

[EOP]

Hulu Is a Must

Hulu is an absolute MUST for a streaming source.  Whether or not you believe that, there's no risk or loss in taking a gander, because as the Hulu website sets out, you can have a free 30-day trial. If you don't do anything else, take the free trial and watch Normal People and This Way Up. You'll thank me. PS: You can share a Hulu subscription with one other TV even if it's across the country.

[EOP]

Backing Up Text Messages

For Android phones, there are several apps that make the backup process easy. SMS Backup & Restore is a solid option with good reviews. For iPhones, tap on Settings/iCloud and toggle On under Messages, or use iExplorer but that's beyond my i-expertise.

[EOP]

Valentine (Phoenix Restaurant)

Valentine is a new Central Phoenix restaurant that got high marks in a very splashy two page review in the Arizona Republic punctuated with glossy pictures. Its website is about as unglossy and uninspiring as they come with no pictures whatsoever. It does not even tell you if they do take-out or delivery. I sent them an email and they said they will do take-out if you phone in an order, but the kitchen is closed between 3:30 pm and 5 pm so don't try to do so then. I likely will not be trying them at all.

[EOP]

Note re Hyperlinks in This Blog

Hyperlinks to publications (such as the WSJ and NYT)--which appear in blue and underlined--in this blog should all open to the full article even if you do not have a subscription to the publication itself. That was not always the case but my crack technical team uncovered a work-around solution to the problem. In all events, whenever you see a hyperlink, if you click on it, it will take you somewhere.

[EOP] 

Always Check a Lodging's Cancellation Policy BEFORE Booking

Junipine Resort is, or at least was, a delightful place to stay in Oak Creek Canyon. It is quite a bit more expensive now than it used to be and its quaint dining facility appears to have upgraded and its prices are certainly higher. There is no mention on the website as to their cancellation policy. Upon phoning to find out what the cancellation policy is (one should always be suspect when it's not clearly stated on the website), a cheerful and polite clerk will quickly explain: You are correct that there is no mention on the website, but it will be set out in the booking confirmation email you'll get. Pointedly, as they explained, the booking confirmation will state that, if you cancel within a week of your arrival, the cancellation fee is one night's stay plus tax. So, as you point out, if you were to book 2 nights with arrival set for 6 days or fewer hence, even if you cancel immediately upon seeing the cancellation policy, you will be assessed a cancellation fee equal to one night's stay plus tax. Putting aside the plus tax issue, the cheerful clerk will acknowledge that not disclosing this on the website could lead to surprised, shocked, and disappointed guests.

[EOP] 

Normal People (12 Episode Series on Hulu)

A loyal reader and an erratic reader both have read the Sally Rooney book and watched the TV-series version and give it high and very high marks respectively, and not just because each episode is just 30 minutes or because of the sensuality, but instead, because of how well the story describes young love, belonging, and depression. Having now watched the first two episodes, it turns out the loyal reader and erratic reader are both correct. The only thing that some might see as a downside is the slowness with which all unfolds, but remember, you can't hurry love. That said, this is not a romcom. It has undertones of David and Lisa, but it is rivetingly different as well. Your advised to be sure the closed captioning is on so that you can better understand the Irish idioms and slang.

IMDb Link to Normal People

New Tact on the Vaccination Front

Text of letter that won't be printed: "There is little question about what doesn’t work to get the 70 million unvaccinated vaccinated. Having President Biden or Dr. Fauci or any of the supposed experts pleading on CNN and MSNBC and through the mainstream print media doesn’t work. Bribes don’t work. Mandates don’t work. It’s time to try something different. Flood Fox News shows, especially the prime time Hannity, Carlson, Ingraham shows, with advertisements plugging vaccinations and debunking the myths and debunking what the hosts say. And fill those advertisements with facts such as Fox News mandating vaccinations for its employees and those named hosts getting vaccinated even without being mandated to do so, along with Trump. Given what their making on their vaccines, Pfizer, J&J, and Moderna should be more than willing to fund such an advertising blitz."

[EOP]

Predictability of Pandemic Behavior

Many of us are completely at sea in trying to understand much of the behavior that has been exhibited in connection with the pandemic. As it turns out, a book published in 2019 entitled, "The Psychology of Pandemics," predicted with uncanny insight what we are witnessing. Thanks to a loyal reader who sent it in, you can read about this book in this Seattle Times Article.

[EOP]

Those Trumpian Democrats

With Trump, it was easy to know the truth: It was the opposite of whatever he said. It was hoped with the Democrats taking over, we could turn the page. But, when I turned the page and saw some of the details of Biden's Government Family Plan, I was both shocked and surprised (unlike with Trump where you were always one or the other but not both). The White House and Democrats claim that "nearly four of five private sector workers have no access to paid leave" and that this bill will ensure that everyone is covered, especially low income workers. I'm all for that. But wait, there's more. Workers who live from one paycheck to the next can't afford to take time off for a partial wage replacement, but a new parent earning $200,000 per year could be eligible for more than $1,000 per week for 12 weeks, as can that parent's partner even if they are earning six figures. 

[EOP]  

What You Need to Know About iOS 15 Which Is Now Here

If you have an Android phone, you don't need to know anything about iOS 15, not even the FaceTime Stuff because you can do FaceTime with an Android phone, or the new Safari Stuff which is driving users nuts because you don't use Safari. But if you have an Apple device, this WSJ Article is a must read.

[EOP]

Guide to Covid-19 Home Tests

This WSJ Article presents an excellent overview of home rapid tests, including Abbott’s BinaxNOW, which are flying off drugstore shelves, including what you need to know about how to use them and how reliable they are.

[EOP]

Some Tips re Medicare

The following is from an email I got from the adviser I consult and without whom I could not navigate the Medicare maze.  It covers some points of interest as the Annual Enrollment Period approaches:

 1 - The Annual Enrollment Period does not apply to supplemental plans - it relates only to drug plans and Advantage plans. If someone has a supplemental plan, they can change anytime so long as they can get through medical underwriting with a new application and answer all health questions NO. If someone with an Advantage plan wants to move to a supplemental plan, there are a couple of carriers with no underwriting but the premium would be over $300 per month (unless they can answer NO to all the health questions, in which it might be half that); premiums do depend on age. 

2 - We will have information on the drug plans (and Advantage plans) after October 1st. Right now we have very little, and the carriers are just starting to ship supplies to brokers. The window for applying for a new drug plan is between 10-15 and 12-7 and that plan would then go into effect on January 1st. If there are any changes anticipated to your current drug plan, you should be notified by the carrier soon. If you are happy with your plan, then you need do nothing and the plan will automatically renew into the coming year. Some drug carriers are taking major hits this year - but we will still have quite a few under $30 per month and some under $20. So far we know that the Humana WalMart and Basic plans are fine, Silver Script looks good, Omaha hanging in there and Wellcare taking it in the shorts on their Select RX plan. We have heard nothing on the AARP plans. 

3 - Those annoying TV commercials... There have been no changes whatsoever to Medicare benefits in over 25 years other than the Part B deductible, which goes up a little bit every couple years. The "give back" program is for low income, like a single person making under $1469 and a couple making under $1980 per month, from all sources with a resource (money in bank, bonds, investments etc) of under $8,000 for an individual and under $12,000 for a couple. If you qualify under these limits, then it doesn't matter what kind of plan you have, you can qualify for assistance through Medicare. 

4 - BEWARE of scams! Medicare and Social Security will never call you. Publisher's Clearing House will never call you - they don't have your number, even if your enter their sweepstakes. Your car warranty isn't expiring tomorrow and your anti-virus program provider doesn't have your phone number.  Your grandson isn't in jail and needing bail money and  the International Monetary Fund is not related to the FBI in any way. The most identity theft occurs when someone gives out their Medicare ID or social security number or bank information. I can tell you first-hand that once that kind of personal information is 'out there,' the problems go on forever, in ways you can't imagine. Know your caller. If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voice mail - it is even gets that far. Or if you do pick up and think it is suspicious, hang up and call the number back and see how it is answered. Better yet - look on the Internet for information related to that phone number. No legitimate entity ever asks for payments in gift cards or by wire transfer. This all sounds like common sense but it is alarming how these people get through to unsuspecting and trusting people of all ages, and it costs the public billions per year. Not to mention the incredible inconvenience and headache.

[EOP]

Why the Pandemic Is More Stressful This Year Than Last Year

Last year there was no vaccine and there was a Trump in the White House. This year there is a vaccine and no Trump in the White House. One would think this year would be less stressful than last year. But, as this WSJ article explains, pandemic related stress actually has heightened this year marked by more blow ups in public and at home. I for one never would have guessed. Go figure.

[EOP]

Tips on Maintenance and Repair of a Double Wall Oven

1. Do not let an untrained professional near the wall oven intending to put it through its self-clean cycles. Being able to heat up frozen sweet potato fries does not make one a trained professional.

2. If an untrained professional does get near your wall oven, tell her not to initialize the self-clean cycles for either the top or bottom ovens, and certainly not for both at the same time.

3. If your efforts have failed, don't panic when you find that the oven has locked itself such that you can't close the oven door or have either oven do anything., i.e., none of the controls work.

4. There are many suggestions The Google will have on the matter, some of which you can try (like cutting the power to it for 5 minutes) but likely with little success.

5. Even if it's a GE Profile/Monogram, don't waste your time calling GE for service. The phone tree will bully you until you try to schedule an appointment on the website which, once you try, will tell you to call for a phone appointment.

6. One of The Google's suggestions is just to wait until the oven returns to room temperature, under the theory that the lock will not release until that state is reached. The fastest way to have that happen is make an appointment with any appliance service firm, which, once sensed by the oven, will release the lock, and your oven will work fine. Although the oven might not seem warm to the touch, the safety locking feature is very sensitive to any heat emitted by either oven chamber.

7. Be sure to stress to any untrained professional with access to the oven to stay away from it.

8. Given the door locking issue in connection with the self-clean cycles, it might be best not to ever run the self-clean cycles. Doing so also will diminish the likelihood of disharmony erupting in the home, which is something to avoid especially when dealing with an untrained professional.

[EOP]

The Mystery of the Media

Unfortunately and sadly, countless children go missing in this country and their stories don't end up well. Actually, in 99% of the cases, their stories are never told. But Gabby Petito has certainly grabbed the attention of both the print and television main stream media. Indeed, updates (even if there is no update) often lead updates on the pandemic and on Trump's latest whatever and everything in between including the economy, the border, legislative battles etc. Considering it my duty to explain this phenomenon because it's a timely "consumer" issue which this blog focuses on (especially since we don't do politics), I have studied it closely and have no explanation--especially since the Natalee Holloway story no longer seems to make it into print or on television. Nothing in their respective pictures (each of which appears below) provides any clue (they certainly don't look alike). Let's just say it's a conundrum for the ages. But it certainly puts to rest any notion that there is any racist or sexist undertones in what captivates the media and apparently its audience.

 

[EOP]

 

Drinking Buddies (2013 Movie on HBO, HBO Max, and Prime (for rental))

Drinking Buddies has your Olivia Wilde, whom we really miss since House no longer airs and briefly spotting her at a NYC pizza place was just not enough, so it seemed worth taking the risk, especially since its run time is just 1.5 hours. Alas, even a half-hour proved too much, because the outcome was obvious given the movie's fixation on the flirting between the two leads who were co-workers while each involved with someone else. That might not have been a disqualifier, but the dialogue was terrible in its attempt to do cinema verite when instead it was cinema ennui. If you're a beer drinker, the movie likely will go down better if you have plenty of beer on hand. 

IMDb Link to Drinking Buddies

[EOP]

Cry Macho (2021 Movie on HBO Max)

Cry Macho is a Clint Eastwood movie that, at least based on the first half, is like a cliche of a Clint Eastwood movie. It's not horrible. But it's not a grabber either, and some of the scenes, and the portrayals of people in them, are ridiculous. For goodness sake, Clint Eastwood is not Rowdy Gaines any more. He's a 150 years old, and that's not a reason to dismiss him, but it might be a reason to cast some doubt as to why the women half his age are scripted to find him so irresistible. The premise of the movie is a bit weird, and some at least might not watch to the second half to see how it turns out. Finally, it's very difficult, if you are a Seinfeld fan, to watch this movie without thinking about the Little Jerry episode.

IMDb Link to Cry Macho  

[EOP]

Is Biden Normalizing Trump's Foreign Policy?

Although he's not without his critics and blemishes, many people laud Fareed Zakarias. His piece in WaPo entitled Is Biden Normalizing Trump's Foreign Policy?  is worthy of consideration and quite sobering: "Biden can use the U.N. pulpit [in his speech there next week] to return to his deep roots as an internationalist who understands that countries don’t simply ally with America out of fear, bribes or narrow security concerns. They do so because its best presidents have articulated and pursued policies that, while always being attentive to U.S. interests, also tried to build an open, rules-based international order that helped others prosper and thrive. If Joe Biden continues his current course, though, historians might one day look back on him as the president who normalized Donald Trump’s foreign policy." "This address comes at a crucial moment in the Biden presidency and will have a particular impact on how it is viewed abroad. After almost eight months of watching policies, rhetoric and crises, many foreign observers have been surprised — even shocked — to discover that, in area after area, Biden’s foreign policy is a faithful continuation of Donald Trump’s and a repudiation of Barack Obama’s."

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Kudos to Maureen Dowd and the NYT

Ellen Pao's guest column in the NYT argues that it can be sexist to hold her accountable for alleged serious wrongdoing and not hold an array of men accountable for reports of wrongdoing or bad judgment. You might have been tempted to put down the Sunday Review section and cancelled your subscription. But if you turn just a few pages to Maureen Dowd's piece, you will be treated a blistering riposte, which argues as follows: "What ever happened to the good old-fashioned art of Owning It? Our culture is awash in people who get called out for their behavior and then retreat behind some victim-y excuse. If you’re going to go for it, go for it. The ne plus ultra of this charade is Elizabeth Holmes, who is on trial for being a big fraud after she pretended to have invented a simpler, cheaper way to do blood tests with a finger prick.Holmes plans to blame her behavior on “a decade-long campaign of psychological abuse” perpetuated by her former boyfriend and business partner, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani — a charge he denies. In a Times guest essay, Ellen Pao, a former tech executive, suggested that, while Holmes should be held accountable, 'it can be sexist to hold her accountable for alleged serious wrongdoing and not hold an array of men accountable for reports of wrongdoing or bad judgment.' Sexism this ain’t, sisters. Holmes went for it. She became the youngest female self-made billionaire by spinning gold out of blood. She really put the con in Silicon Valley." And by way of a post-script, did anyone say Enron?

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Tax To-Do List Before Year-End

This WSJ Article outlines some things you might consider doing on the tax front in view of proposed tax changes now working their way through Congress.

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Rapid Covid Tests in the U.S.

This WSJ Article explains how the U.S. trails other countries in promoting rapid tests, but also has some helpful information on various home rapid tests.

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The Premise (5-Part Series on Hulu)

If the first episode is any indication, this is must-see stuff. It's original, refreshing, funny, droll, edgy (quite edgy), and poignant. It is brought to you by B.J. Novak who brought you the Office, except this is way better than the Office. And best of all, each episode is just 30 minutes. But worst of all, if the first episode is prologue, it's just 5 episodes.

IMDb Link to The Premise 

Stupid Is as Baseball Does

As MLB reports, Starling Marte, who has the highest batting average in the majors, will not win a batting title this year. This is because, being a qualified hitter overall -- having amassed at least 3.1 plate appearances per team game -- he won’t qualify in either league alone. To win the AL batting title, a player must reach 502 plate appearances (that’s 3.1 times 162, for a normal-length season) while in an AL uniform. To win in the NL, a player must reach that mark in an NL uniform. And while we recognize which batter leads the Majors overall each year, there isn’t a specific MLB batting title. A batter must qualify in a specific league in order to win a batting title.

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Copenhagen Here I Come

As the Economist reports, Copenhagen has been named the world's safest city.  "One key factor that makes Copenhagen such a safe city is its low crime rate, currently at its lowest level in more than a decade," Lars Weiss, lord mayor of Copenhagen, says in the report. "Copenhagen is also characterized by great social cohesion and a relatively narrow wealth gap. It is a mixed city where both the cleaning assistant and the CEO meet each other at the local supermarket and have their kids in the same school. "This is one of the very cornerstones of Danish culture, and it contributes greatly to the high levels of trust and safety that we benefit from." No U.S. city made it into the top 5. 

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The Dutch Are Shrinking

As the Guardian reports, while the Dutch are world’s tallest people – they’re shrinking, and study shows their diet may explain why the lofty lowlanders are at least 1cm shorter than the previous generation.

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Better LED Notification Light for Newer Samsung Galaxy Phones

The Holey Light available on here on Google Play will flash a light where the little cut-out hole is in the upper right of your screen. As such, it really simulates the light notification Samsung decided to eliminate from its flagship phones. It can be a battery drain and its warnings are a bit off-putting. 

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Dubious Achievement Award

As this article details, the Padres’ Austin Adams is the greatest hit man in MLB history. The San Diego reliever has tied the record for hit batsmen in a season, plunking one in 10 of the hitters he has faced.

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PBS Passport

If you don't support your local PBS station, shame on you. If you do, and do so at least at the $60 level, you are entitled to the PBS Passport which will let you watch PBS shows that have already aired through the PBS app on your Firestick or Roku. That way, you can wait for a series to end and then binge watch it instead of having to endure the excruciating pain of waiting a week for the next episode. 

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New Batch of Emojis Released

As this article sets out, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook have been updating their existing emojis, adding new visual polish, animation, flexibility and sounds such as the bleat of a goat.

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Kudos for the Economic Policy Response to the Pandemic

This Greg Ip Piece in the WSJ is an informative take on the what worked and what was likely not needed in response to the pandemic. Overall, it explains how America’s fiscal policy succeeded in pushing poverty in the opposite direction than usually occurs in recessions.

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Los Muertos Salsa (Phoenix)

If you think you've had the best chips and salsa ever, you might check with people who swear by Los Muertos Salsa. Not available in grocery stores, but available at farmers' markets all over the Valley and they will even deliver for free with a $15 minimum order. 

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The Debt (2010 Movie on HBO, HBO Max, and Prime (not free))

The Debt is a riveting story of three young Mossad agents whose mission is to track down and bring to Israel for trial a Nazi war criminal. The performances by a first rate cast matches the intensity of the story. There are actually two movies in one: the action tale and the moral tale, neither of which will be spoiled here.

IMDb Link to The Debt

New iPhones and iPads in a Nutshell

This WSJ article has a succinct, clear listing of what you get and what you don't get with each of the new iPhones and iPads that Apple just announced, and what you pay for each (although the carriers have some substantial discount offerings albeit with conditions). Aside from the camera differences and screen sizes of the different offerings, the main cost drivers are battery life and internal storage. On that latter point, it is long past the time for Apple users to rise up and protest Apple's not building in an SD storage device as Samsung and other Android phone manufacturers do, which enable humongous amounts of storage at a trivial cost, and avoid the need to spend hundreds of dollars on internal storage. If you need any inspiration, just listen to this .

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Phoenix's Cool Pavement Pilot Project

As explained on this Phoenix Street Website, Phoenix has selected portions of eight neighborhoods and one city park to receive cool​ pavement treatment as part of a pilot project. Cool pavement is lighter in color than traditional asphalt or other seal coatings. Cool pavement reflects back the sunlight that hits it. Because the surface reflects rather than retains heat, cool pavement has the potential to offset rising nighttime temperatures in Phoenix. The results of the year-long program are now in, and as you can see on the website link, some of the findings (i.e.., drops in temperature) are dramatic.

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Covid Worldwide Infections Dropping; U.S. Not in Such Great Company

In its weekly update released on Tuesday, the the UN Health Agency reported that every region in the world saw a drop in COVID-19 cases compared to the previous week. The highest numbers of cases were seen in the U.S., Britain, India, Iran and Turkey. 

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We Need Better Guardrails

If the revelations in Peril, the Woodward and Costas book, are close to accurate, we can thank General Milley for putting in non-constitutional procedures to avert the possibility of Trump starting a nuclear war. As the NYT reports, it is clear that Trump's "Top aides — including General Milley, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Attorney General William P. Barr — became convinced that they needed to take drastic measures to stop him from trampling on American democracy or setting off an international conflict, and General Milley thought that Mr. Trump had declined mentally in the aftermath of the election." But, what's terrifying is that, when every insider seemingly knew that Trump had gone off the tracks and posed a mortal danger to the country and the world, even then there was no invocation of the 25th amendment. Perhaps what's more terrifying, given the failures to convict Trump in either of the Senate impeachment trials, was that those with knowledge of the truth stayed silent, with the result that Trump could be president again and who knows if there there will be a General Milley or even a Secretary Haig to save us from his second term. What is for sure, given Trump's decision to hold the biggest bombshell that just might have made a difference early on in the pandemic in favor of profiting on it when his book came out, Woodward is not the guardrail to count on to save this country. 

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How to Limit Access to the Vaccinated Without Excluding the Unvaccinated

Responsible entities are limiting access to their facilities to those who have been vaccinated or test negative for Covid-19, but there can be a substantial cost to doing so, and likely not enough are doing so to make a difference in infection rates, hospitalizations, and deaths. Here's a different way for them to address the situation: Offer vaccinated-only access at different times or on parallel tracks than access for everyone else vaccinated or not. For example: grocery stores could offer vaccinated-only hours; restaurants, gyms, and the like could offer access for vaccinated-only every other day or for the vaccinated-only during certain hours; houses of worship could offer an early service for the vaccinated-only and later service for anyone; airlines could offer flights limited to vaccinated-only in addition to flights for everyone; hospitals could reserve a given number of ICU and other beds for the vaccinated. None of these is a perfect solution, but let's not make the perfect the enemy of the good or even the better.

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AL MVP 2021

If you're not following the race for MVP honors in the American League, you're missing out on history. There are two candidates: Vladimir Guerrero of the Toronto Blue Jays and  Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Here's the problem: Guerrero could get the triple crown, a feat done once since 1967 and before then by the likes of Yastrezmski, Williams, Robinson, and Mantle. Ohtani could win the home run crown and AL Cy Young award and so we're talking the second coming of Babe Ruth. If the award were named, Best Player of the Year (as is done in golf and no nobody cares who wins that anyhow), it might be a close vote. But with Toronto going into post-season play, and the Angels not, with Valuable as the award's middle name, likely not such a close vote. But in all events, this is a contest for the ages with a tradition like none other. 

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Update on the Thinking of the Need for Booster Shots

This NYT article has an informative and interesting overview on the thinking of the need for booster shots, explaining that, in a new review, some F.D.A. scientists and others say boosters aren’t needed for the general population. The argument in favor of booster shots relies on the experience in and supposed data from Israel. In typical non-illuminating fashion the NYT has become famous (nee, infamous) for (which is why many prefer the fact reporting of the WSJ), here are the last two sentences of the article: "Data from Israel suggest that booster doses enhance protection against infection. But that evidence was collected just a week or so after the third dose and may not hold up over time, the experts said."

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Update Your iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch Immediately

Apple has released a suite of new updates for iOS, macOS, and watchOS to fix a bug that security researchers at Citizen Lab say was very likely exploited to allow government agencies to install spyware into the phones of journalists, lawyers, and activists. The researchers say the bug allowed for a “zero-click” install (meaning the target didn’t have to do anything to be infected) of the Pegasus spyware, which is reportedly capable of stealing data, passwords, and activating a phone’s microphone or camera. You can read our explainer of Pegusus here for more details. Given the severity of the exploit, you should update to iOS 14.8, macOS Big Sur 11.6, and watchOS 7.6.2 as soon as you can. You can read about the issue in this article.

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Invasion of the Robot Umpires

Aside from the women's tennis, the best thing about the U.S. Open was the lack of line judges. Instead, all the calls were made by a robot, and the vocalization of the calls was computer generated. Players could still challenge calls, but the challenges were few and in the main unsuccessful. The same is coming to baseball for balls and strikes (at least many of us hope it does), and with replay technology, the same should be applied for field calls. In the meantime, this New Yorker piece has an insightful and entertaining look at the issue.

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Travel and Covid Testing

Finding the correct Covid tests within the allowed time frame is proving challenging for many. In some areas of the country, Covid-19 tests are harder to come by, and acceptable at-home tests can be costly. If you’ve got a trip coming up, this WSJ article has an excellent overview of the latest advice on which tests you’ll need to fly or join a cruise—and how to find them. It's also got helpful information on the various Covid-19 tests available no matter your reason for wanting one.

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New Resource for Arizona Political Junkies

ArizonaAgenda is a new website whose content changes daily that just might appeal to Arizona's political junkies. It combines stuff that affects everyday life and it is filled with juicy stuff as well. Indeed, its co-founders are from each camp. It's not free. It cost $10/month.

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New Amazon Firestick

The new Fire TV Stick is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, and will officially release Oct. 7 on Amazon and Best Buy. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, which includes built-in Alexa Voice features and is compatible with 4K UHD, HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos resolution. Compared to the Fire TV Stick 4K, this new version has 40 percent more power and a 1.8 gHz processor (compared to 1.7 gHz in the previous version). With the faster processor and 2 GB of RAM, loading apps and using the interface should be smoother. You can also connect to Echo Smart Speakers or Echo Studio for a surround-sound experience via Alexa Home Theater. According to Amazon, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the most affordable streaming device with Wi-Fi 6 enabled, which should reduce lag in both streaming and gaming via Amazon Luna. In line with Amazon’s Climate Pledge, this Fire TV Stick comes with an Energy Star certification.

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Resorts for the Vaccinated Only

There are an increasing number of resorts that are restricting access to guests who have been vaccinated. Elite Island Resorts  is one of them, and the places on Antigua look especially enticing. 

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LED Notification App

People who grew up on earlier Samsung Galaxy phones got addicted to the notification light. For no reason anyone can understand, Samsung eliminated that light. PTL, thanks to our persistent efforts, there now is an app that will give you an LED light notification, free from here at the Play store.

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The Taliban Are Here

As upsetting as it is to watch the Taliban take over and set up their theocracy in Afghanistan, the reality is the Taliban are here. As this NYT story  explains, personal faith and the bible are being invoked to avoid being vaccinated. And lest you think the Supreme Court, led by Thomas and Barret, won't uphold the right of the so-called religious to be free from vaccination, see Linda Greenhouse's piece in the NYT explaining: "One hundred and fifty years ago, a woman named Myra Bradwell brought a U.S. Supreme Court case claiming a constitutional right to be admitted to the Illinois bar. She had passed the state’s bar exam with high honors, but the Illinois Supreme Court refused her application, saying that when the state General Assembly gave the court the power to grant law licenses, 'it was with not the slightest expectation that this privilege would be extended to women.' The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the state court, with Justice Joseph Bradley writing in a concurring opinion that “the paramount destiny and mission of women are to fulfill the noble and benign offices of wife and mother." Of course, while the theocrats who oppose vaccines, as Linda Greenhouse's piece further explains, they invoke the same contorted notions of religion to take away a woman's right of choice when it comes to her body: "When Amy Coney Barrett was a law professor at Notre Dame, the university’s Faculty for Life, of which she was a member, unanimously denounced the university’s decision to honor then-Vice President Joe Biden, a Catholic, with an award recognizing 'outstanding service to church and society.' The faculty group’s specific objection was to his support for the right to abortion. 'Saying that Mr. Biden rejects church teaching could make it sound like he is merely disobeying the rules of his religious group,' the Faculty for Life’s resolution stated. 'But the church’s teaching about the sanctity of life is true.'” In short, hold on to your hats: The American Taliban is here and it's coming after us with a concocted but vicious theocracy that seems to have an irresistible appeal to the stupid and the crazies. Finally, if you think you know what you're dealing with, just watch this.

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Vaccinations: TSA and the Airlines

I know I feel supremely comforted as I watch the dedicated, highly-trained, and focused TSA personnel as they protect me and others from shoe bombers and people carrying more than 3.4 ounces of shampoo or other liquid. I truly applaud Biden's effort to have Osha protect workers and per force the rest of us through mandated vaccinations. But I wish for all of us who would like to fly safely to see family and friends that, just as people without proper IDs cannot get through the TSA screening, that the unvaccinated could not either. Alternatively, it would be interesting to see how a major airline might fare if it allowed only vaccinated passengers to fly.  

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Best Vegetarian Airbnb

As this article from the Idaho Statesman  explains, if you're looking for a unique Airbnb experience, head to Idaho. The biggest building in Boise is the Mr. Potato Head (Simplot) Building, but that's not the point of this post. The point of this post is, if you eschew meat, and want to dedicate yourself to all things vegetable, then you can stay in a giant baked potato as pictured below for under $200/night. As has been noted, is this a great country or what?

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Early U.S. History on Compulsory Vaccinations

As this WaPo article sets out, there was a smallpox epidemic on this side of the pond that killed over 100,000 people between 1775-1782. Vaccines against the disease were not without controversy. George Washington ordered that his troops be vaccinated: "I have determined that the troops shall be inoculated ... Necessity not only authorizes but seems to require the measure, for should the disorder infect the Army in the natural way and rage with its usual virulence we should have more to dread from it than from the Sword of the Enemy.” One might wonder if Fox News and the conspiratorialists had been around whether his order would have stuck and whether Washington would have become president.

Unrelated PS: In all the news segments promoting vaccination, the video is a steady stream of needles going into arms. One might wonder if that's the best visual for the desired end. One might also wonder if, instead of a shot, there were a pill, whether or not that would make any difference in reducing the virulence of the anti-vaxxers.

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Non-Surgical Approaches to Hip and Knee Replacements

This WSJ article sets out the new stem cell approaches being done as non-surgical ways to do hip and knee replacements. They're not just the future ... they are here today.

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Looking Back Over 20 Years: Remembering 9/11 or Perhaps Not So Much and Its Irony

[Prefatory Note: I apologize for this screed and suggest it be skipped. It’s a function of weariness, beginning shortly after 9/11, as to how our country mis-calibrates dangers and as a result mis-allocates resources and energies. At least after 9/11, there was a period of unity both within the country and with the world. After the rise of the stupid and the crazy under the guise of Trumpism, we don’t even have that. We have a country ripping itself apart]

No one who saw the events of that day can forget 9/11. But, what is its lasting daily impact beyond having to endure TSA procedures at airports and some other intrusions into our privacy rights? Yeah, it led to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but as tragic as they were in terms of their human toll, it is difficult to see their impact on most people’s lives. Next came the 2008 financial meltdown, but as ruinous as that was for many, it too has faded into history while the return of sky rocketing house and other asset prices seem to faze no one. Then came the pandemic, but as devastating as its human and economic toll has been, its indelible impact seems to be to have solidified the chasm in this country between the sane and the insane. And then, there’s Trump and Trumpism, which galvanized White Nationalism and racism, fanaticism,  alternative conspiratorial realities, phony patriotism, assaults on our democratic institutions and norms and our electoral process, and bogus assertions of medical and religious freedom, along with the demise of a legitimate second political party. Unfortunately, now unleashed, it’s not clear the country will recover from the madness and stupidity of those forces, and the political pandering to and stoking of them. In short, lethal terrorist enemies, economic implosions, and ravaging disease can be recovered from. But when it comes to unprincipled  extremism, supreme ignorance, and sheer lunacy, who knows?  

The mantra of 9/11 is to “never forget” the 3,000 deaths inflicted on that day by the terrorists that we wish had not happened. In stark contrast, every two days now we see more than 3,000 deaths, and since the pandemic began hundreds of thousands of deaths, that need not and should not have happened and should not still be happening. For whatever good it does us to “never forget” 9/11, the irony is that we seem to forget every day, and the unvaccinated and unmasked seem numb to the fact, that Covid-19 has claimed more casualties than our Civil War and more casualties than World War I and II combined, and orders of magnitude more death and heartbreak than the terrorists could ever dream about inflicting.

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US Open Women's Single Tennis

It happened:  It was two semi-finals wins for the ages like none other. 

Much Common Wisdom About Passwords Is Wrong

Loyal readers might not be surprised to learn that, again, common wisdom might not be correct. As a latest example, as this WSJ article explains, when it comes to passwords complex passwords make it too hard for users who in turn make it too easy for hackers. Also included in this article are some helpful tips to make it easy on you when frequently changing your password.

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Click Bait: A Final Word

Click Bait will certainly not go down as one of the great or most memorable or must-see series ever, but most people will find it entertaining enough to watch through the last episode. Some think the episodes tend to get a little worse with each new one. Others disagree, and strenuously argue that  the interpersonal relationships within the family were very interesting and certainly interesting enough  to keep wanting to watch the next episode and enjoy it as much as the previous episode. All do seem to agree that the ending was a bit of a stretch.

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The Covid-19 Testing Exception

[Prefatory Notes: I am mindful not to make the perfect the enemy of the good. In that context, Biden’s address on the pandemic deserves praise. I am also mindful that politicians seem incapable of telling the truth or really taking responsibility by owning up to mistakes and are far quicker to forget promises they’ve broken than their audiences are. In that context, I shall not mention Biden's characterizations of the progress he says he has made on the pandemic even though everyone knows that, by every metric, we are in far worse shape this Labor Day than we were Labor Day a year ago. I am also mindful that something prompted this address, which likely is that, according to the data and every expert, the extremely contagious nature of the Delta variant has led to where we are today: Covid-19 is winning and we’re not going to get passed it unless the vaccination levels take an immediate and serious jump. In short, let’s praise Biden for pinpointing where the problem is, namely, with the unvaccinated and those who encourage them, and be grateful for the new steps he is taking. And in that context, this post addresses just one small nit with Biden’s approach]

Allowing for people to opt out of a vaccination mandate by opting to be tested instead of being vaccinated is just plain nuts. What it means, simply put, is this: If you don’t want to abide the vaccine mandate, you are welcome to get infected with and spread Covid-19 up until you are tested, and then you’ll have to lie low for some time. We can argue about the costs that might be imposed on the unvaccinated. But it is hard to see any argument why the vaccinated should not be protected from the unvaccinated when they walk into any public place such as a school, a store, a restaurant, a sports or entertainment area, or board an airplane (omitted by Biden) or a house of worship (omitted by Biden). Likewise, it is hard to see any argument why the unvaccinated should be allowed to go into any of those places and spread Covid-19. In addition to their being no scientific or health rationale to abide a testing exception, allowing for it sends a precisely wrong message, namely, that as long as we can detect that you’ve done it, it’s just fine for you to roam the planet spreading Covid-19. 

US Open Women's Singles: The Chance for a Magical Moment in Sports History

On Thursday (September 9) night, there are going to be two semi-final matches the likes of which have never been seen at the US Open: In each of them is an unseeded teenager who brims with ebullience and joy and youthfulness that would melt the heart of any spectator (including especially the NY crowd), coach, or parent. One was a qualifier who has not lost a set in her 8 matches, and the other plowed over two former first-ranked players (Osaka and Kerber). The chance both will make it to the finals is slim at best. But if they do, it will be a "do you believe in miracles?" moment, and you will not want to have missed their semi-final matches. Their quarter-final matches were gems to watch. There is no way to know what the future holds for them--will they burn out early, will they turn into automatons, will the pressure and grind chew them up? But one thing is sure: They do not have the deathly iciness that made Chris Evert the champ she was, or the power that made Serena Williams the greatest player of all time, or the striking strengths of Billy Jean King or Martina Navratilova. They are their own kids right now, and they are a true joy to watch. 

PS: As an added bonus, unlike so many other venues in so many other sports, putting aside some of the painful post-match interviewing, much of the commentary here is first-rate.

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OneDrive Symbols on Desktop and System Tray Icons

If you use OneDrive as a back-up system, and it's very easy and convenient to use, you will note one of various symbols on your desktop and system tray icons that will indicate the status of files in that icon, as well as tell you if there is a problem with any files associated with the icon. This Microsoft article gives a complete and concise listing of all the symbols with pictures of each of them for convenient reference.

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Arizona Eliminates Peremptory Jury Challenges

As this NPR article explains, Arizona's Supreme Court has eliminated peremptory challenges in jury selection, becoming the first state to do so. Here's the great news: I've tried for decades to serve on a jury, but have always been stricken by peremptory challenge, and never because any cause could be shown as to how I would not be fair and impartial in rendering a verdict. Although I can be excused now on age grounds if ever called again, Giddy up--I'm saddled up and ready to ride--yee hah!

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Turning Off Auto-Play Trailers and Auto-Play Next Episode in Netflix

Many loyal readers have complained about the auto-play trailer that comes on when Netflix loads and the auto-play next episode when you finish an episode. We took those concerns to heart, and brought the issues to Netflix's attention. Netflix has provided a fix. Here it is:

1. Sign in to Netflix from a web browser.

2. Select Manage Profiles from the menu.

3. Select the profile you'd like to update.

4. Check or uncheck the option to Auto-play previews while browsing on all devices, and Auto-play next episode in a series on all devices.

It might take a little while before the change to the setting takes effect, Netflix noted. However, you can force the update by switching to another profile, and then switching back to yours to reload it. If you're one of the seemingly few people who enjoy a loud trailer starting unannounced, do not worry -- you can leave your settings exactly as they are, and keep auto-play on.

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2021 Flu Shots PS

This CDC article sets out frequently asked questions and answers about this year's flu shots. Unlike last year, at least in Phoenix, it is very easy now to get a flu shot by walking into a pharmacy or by making an appointment. 

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Doctor Refuses to Treat Unvaccinated Patients in Person

This WaPo article tells the story of a doctor who is refusing to treat unvaccinated patients in person. Maybe there's an ethical issue there, but many of us fail to see it. 

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It's Not Just the Unvaccinated

For sure, the unvaccinated, and those aiding and abetting the unvaccinated, and those unwilling to take strong stands to bar the unvaccinated from their places of work, worship, food, and entertainment, bear the brunt of the blame for what we are now seeing: Infection and hospitalization rates this Labor Day (when there is vaccine for everyone) dwarfing the infection and hospitalization rates of Labor Day a year ago (when there was no vaccine). But just looking this weekend at the jammed airports and planes, crowded highways, packed football stadiums and beaches, along with the opening of schools, it is clear that, as a country, we have decided and are acting like Covid-19 has been beaten or like we just care anymore about curbing its horrendous toll. And that's not just the unvaccinated. That's all of us. 

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Guide to Becoming a Morning Person

Everyone wants to be a morning person, but few are able to attain that desired status. This WSJ article explains that becoming a morning person doesn’t have to be as hard as you think, as it lays out helpful tips from sleep and productivity experts.

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Smart Toilets Are on the Way and You'll Want One to Track Your Health

This WSJ article sets out why commodes that measure vital signs, screen for chronic illnesses, and might even diagnose Covid-19 are in the works.

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Don't Forget About Only Murders in the Building (on Hulu)

With all the hubbub about Click Bait and other stuff, it is possible to forget that several episodes have been added to Only Murders in the Building. It is ridiculous at this point to release new episodes just once a week, and on that ground alone, a boycott would be warranted. But, it is what it is. That said, the second episode leaves one wondering whether this is a series worth continuing to watch. It's weird but for no apparent purpose.

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CDC on Flu Shots for 2021

This CDC article describes just about everything one needs to know about flu shots for this season.

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Access Windows 10 Home Edition Without a Password or Pin and Reaffirmation of Acer Recommendation

[Prefatory Note: Most versions of Windows 10 make it easy to logon without a password or pin. But Microsoft has done something with at least some versions of Windows 10 Home to thwart all the easy ways to do so, including the easiest of all as reflected in the first sentence below. The effort to solve the problem addressed by the below solution has taken enormous time and effort over the past week, with much strain and many things tried. I'm guessing that the solution in the first sentence worked now, when it didn't work before, because of the steps outlined in the second sentence. But maybe something else had changed in the computer's settings. In fine, this is my best guess to the solution after wading through the information overload on the topic presented by The Google and the various ways that should but do not work under Settings/Accounts/Sign-in Options]

Click on Start and type "netplwiz" (without the quotes) into the Search box and hit enter. Then uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." If that doesn't work, check to see if gpedit (Global Policy Editor) is installed, and if not, download and install gpedit, and then type "gpedit" into that same Search box and hit enter, and then click on Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Logon and double-click on Turn on Convenience Pin Sign-in, and check Disable/Okay, and then reboot the computer and then go back and do the netplwiz routine again. 

PS: With this last glitch solved, my highest recommendation for the Acer Swift 3 13.5" Intel Evo Platform Laptop - 11th Gen Intel i7-1165G7, particularly given its price, is unqualified.

Model: SF313-53-78AF

[EOP]

The Cost of War

[Prefatory Note: Source: Brown University]

Over 7,000 U.S. service members and over 8,000 contractors have died in the post-9/11 wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Over 30,177 U.S. service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have died by suicide.

[EOP]

Critical Look at Efficiency of Plug-in Hybrids

As this WSJ article explains, unlike truly electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (or PHEVs) often have short electric ranges, which, combined with powerful gas engines, do little to improve overall fuel efficiency. And that’s when owners bother to plug them in.

[EOP]

Language Option for High Schoolers--Signing

Most if not all public high schools require students to take a foreign language. For the most part, the students don't really learn one because most of the instruction is teaching vocabulary and grammar and not speaking or understanding the spoken language (which can result through a series of events to a brilliant student getting a D in French his university freshman year which obviously hurt his GPA). Some public high schools now offer sign language as an alternative, and the great thing about it is that it's taught on a total immersion basis (like language is taught to Peace Corps volunteer and Foreign Service officers), where the teachers are themselves deaf.

[EOP] 

Biden's and the Democrats Need to Prioritize

Priority Number 1: Biden and the Democrats have between now and the 2022 elections to do whatever it is they want to do. Once those elections come, unless Biden and the Democrats protect voting rights particularly in the swing states, there is good chance whatever Biden and the Democrats do will do on economic, safety network, environmental, and other fronts will be undone. So, if it takes a filibuster to pass strong voter protection legislation, they better jettison the filibuster and do it. 

Priority Number 2: Biden and the Democrats have between now and the 2022 elections to do whatever might be done to save this country from our current Supreme Court. So, if takes a filibuster to re-make the Supreme Court along any of the lines outlined in this NYT article, they better jettison the filibuster and do it.

Priority Number 3: As laudable and applaudable all the efforts Biden and the Democrats are making to end wars, boost the economy, revise the tax code, help those who need the most help, protect the environment, improve the country's infrastructure, bring emergency relief to areas ravaged by storms, promote racial equity and reform the police, improve our immigration system, restore America's global standing and relationships with allies and NATO, undo the harms caused by and restore the norms shattered by Trump, and fight Covid-19, there is no Priority Number 3 that can last past 2022 unless and until Priority Numbers 1 and 2 are done before the next election. And if Biden cannot get Mancin and Sinema on board (by channeling Lyndon Johnson or otherwise), then God save this country.

[EOP]

States That Cut Unemployment Benefits Saw Limited, If Any, Impact on Job Growth

It is difficult to count how many things the Republicans are wrong about. Actually, there's little need to count. Once it's determined a Republican said it, it's a good bet what they said was wrong. One of their shibboleths has been that continuing enhanced unemployment benefits would serve to depress job growth because people will opt for those benefits rather than seeking work. As this Wall Street Journal article explains, states that cut unemployment benefits actually saw limited, if any, impact on job growth.

[EOP]

What to Do If Your Phone Overheats

From cnet (edited for grammatical correctness and to abide the Oxford comma):

1. Remove the charger cable if you plugged it in.

2. Move it into a cool, dark place.

3. Turn off the phone to let the processor completely spin down and cool.

4. Remove the case if it's in one. This allows cooler air to circulate around the phone's metal or glass surfaces.

5. Let cool, dry air blow on it (from your car's AC, a fan, or your refrigerator for a short of time). This will help bring the phone's internal temperature down faster and get it working again.

6. Wait at least 15 minutes, or longer, before turning it on to see if it's sufficiently cooled.